Weekend Day Trips Near Singapore Under $50
Singapore weekends do not require a resort booking or heroic levels of planning. With an EZ-Link card, comfortable shoes and a budget of S$50 per person, you can reach a quiet island, eat well in Johor Bahru or explore Malaysia’s nearest small-town attractions. Prices below assume departure from central Singapore and exclude shopping.
Pulau Ubin: The Easiest Escape
Take the MRT to Tampines, then bus 29 to Changi Village. The bumboat to Pulau Ubin costs about S$4 each way and leaves when full, usually within 10–20 minutes. Rent a bicycle near the jetty for roughly S$10–15.
Cycle to Chek Jawa Wetlands, Ubin Quarry and German Girl Shrine. Pack water and insect repellent; shade is intermittent and drink stalls are limited. A realistic total is S$25–35, including public transport, boat, bicycle and lunch.
Johor Bahru for Food and Cafés
Take the MRT to Kranji and board the public bus to Johor Bahru. The cross-border bus fare is usually under S$5 each way, but queues at Woodlands Checkpoint can stretch past an hour on Saturday mornings. Leave Singapore before 8am or after 10am.
From JB Sentral, walk to Jalan Dhoby for cafés, Hiap Joo Bakery’s banana cake and comfort food around Tan Hiok Nee Heritage Street. Allow S$20 for meals and snacks, plus S$5–10 for local transport. Bring your passport, check its validity and keep some Malaysian ringgit. Total: approximately S$30–45.
Kranji Countryside and Lim Chu Kang
For a slower, border-free outing, take the MRT to Kranji and use the Kranji Countryside Express shuttle when operating. Check its weekend schedule before leaving, since farms are spread out and walking between them is unpleasant in the afternoon heat.
Visit Hay Dairies for goat’s milk, Bollywood Farms for a meal and a short walk, or Jurong Frog Farm if tours are available. Budget S$10–20 for transport, S$15 for lunch and S$10 for admission or drinks. This trip works best as a half-day, with an early start.
Make the Budget Last
Use these simple rules:
- Carry a refillable bottle and snacks from Singapore.
- Reserve S$10 for unexpected transport or checkpoint delays.
- Avoid taxis unless splitting with three or four people.
- Check opening days before visiting farms and island attractions.
FAQ
### Is Batam possible for under S$50?
Usually no. A return ferry commonly takes most of that budget before meals or transport. Pulau Ubin or Johor Bahru offers much better value for a genuine day trip.